The luxury market may be crumbling, but Hermes is doing so well they’ve resorted to breeding their own crocodiles on farms in Australia to meet the demand for their exotic bags. Their sale numbers are positive, and they recently announced that they will be hiring an additional 50 to 100 leather workers to join their staff of 2,000 in Paris.
With such an encouraging response, it’s little surprise that Hermes has opted to enter the fine jewelry arena. While I love what Jean Paul Gaultier has doing with the classic Kelly and Birkin silhouettes – for the Fall 2010 show he showed a glittering, completely studded Kelly, along with a fluffy sheepskin and a mini pochette version attached to an umbrella – it’s the house’s classic leather jewelry that I’ve always been the most fond of.
Prices will range from about $24,000 to about $880,000 (as a comparison, the leather Collier de Chien bracelet goes for about $1,275). Despite steep prices, the waiting list is already said to be between five to seven months for the luxe pieces, which can be customized. I’d say from the looks of it, Hermes has certainly one-upped Chanel and Dior with this collection.
